Other pharmacological agents
Haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic, has been used successfully in some cases of chronic hiccups.[38]Ives TJ, Fleming MF, Weart CW, et al. Treatment of intractable hiccups with intramuscular haloperidol. Am J Psychiatry. 1985 Nov;142(11):1368-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4061698?tool=bestpractice.com
However, it is limited by its side effects of central nervous system depression, orthostasis, and extra-pyramidal effects at high doses. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, has also shown therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hiccups.[4]Porzio G, Aielli F, Verna L, et al. Gabapentin in the treatment of hiccups in patients with advanced cancer: a 5-year experience. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2010 Jul;33(4):179-80.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20414106?tool=bestpractice.com
[39]Hernández JL, Pajarón M, García-Regata O, et al. Gabapentin for intractable hiccup. Am J Med. 2004 Aug 15;117(4):279-81.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15308440?tool=bestpractice.com
[40]Alonso-Navarro H, Rubio L, Jiménez-Jiménez FJ. Refractory hiccup: successful treatment with gabapentin. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2007 May-Jun;30(3):186-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17545753?tool=bestpractice.com
[41]Thompson DF, Brooks KG. Gabapentin therapy of hiccups. Ann Pharmacother. 2013 Jun;47(6):897-903.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23673537?tool=bestpractice.com
[42]Carbone MG, Tagliarini C, Della Rocca F, et al. Protracted hiccups induced by aripiprazole and regressed after administration of gabapentin. Case Rep Psychiatry. 2021 Apr 22;2021:5567152.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crips/2021/5567152
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33976948?tool=bestpractice.com
Both haloperidol and gabapentin are promising drugs for treating chronic hiccups, but further clinical trials are needed.